Daphne altaica is a shrub, of the family Thymelaeaceae. It is deciduous, and is found across temperate Asia, including in parts of Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and China (Xinjiang). It is found at elevations of about 1,000 m.
The shrub grows with an erect habit, to a height of 0.4 to 0.8 m. It flowers from May to June, and bears fruit from July to September.